Customer Reviews

Black Man Under the Deep Blue Sea: Memoirs of a Black Commercial Diver in Southeast Asia

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..and yes, as you can guess from the title of the book, this is a first person autobiographical journey through the life of a brother who chose to live the life of a commercial deep sea diver, against his friend's rather "colorful" advice.

Written in informal language, with lots of photographs and explanations of technical jargon, this is an interesting read about the dangers and rewards of an unusual occupation that can only be chosen by those brave souls who don't mind physical exertion, long and lonely decompression routines, perilous situations and the total absence of a family life.

Although the diving information is the main part of the book, the author adds his own philosophies, opinions and thoughts, some of which are more suitable to a blog than a book, and parts of which need some editing for continuity.

I liked most of the book, but sometimes the author comes off, perhaps unintentionally, as a know-it-all, and I found this off-putting, particularly in the final pages. Overall however, the author has a positive message for young people to pursue their dreams regardless of skin color, religion or nationality, and I'll give him points for that.

If you like watching National Geographic on television or have an interest in this tough-guy occupation, this would be a good choice.


Amanda Richards, March 9, 2008

Black Man Under The Deep Blue Sea by Tony Wells is probably best classified as a journal of Wells' experiences as a commercial diver. What makes the story unusual is that there are very, very few blacks in this particular line of work. In here, you read about his childhood and adolescence, along with the move to Hawaii that first brought him face-to-face with the possibility of learning to dive. After becoming SCUBA-certified (despite not initially being able to pass the swimming test), he enrolled in a commercial diving school to learn how to work underwater. This certification eventually led him all over the world as an independent diver, hooking on with companies when they had diving jobs available. As a black diver, he shares how his color rarely came into play when it came to getting jobs. Basically, success talks and reputations are quickly gained (or lost) in the industry. Because he knew his job well and performed at a high standard, he had little trouble in finding work when there were open jobs. At the end of the book, he talks about how color and race should never be a barrier to going after your dreams. Of course, he can hold himself out as a prime example of that.

As a self-published title, you shouldn't expect that Black Man will be a slick, highly polished story. Tony tells his story as if he was sitting across from you, complete with humor, danger, pain, and anger. But actually, that's what makes the book most compelling. Unless you're a diver interested in the technical details of the job (and he provides those in great measure), you probably wouldn't be inclined to pick up the book and give it a read. But shortly after starting to read, you'll feel as if you're sitting across the table from a new friend, sharing a beer and being regaled with stories and experiences that are fascinating.

If you have the chance to read Black Man Under The Deep Blue Sea, it'd be worth your time. At the very least, it'll give you a greater appreciation for those who work underwater to keep the oil flowing through the pipelines and into your lives.

i recently finished reading this book and it is so moving from start to finish. a Black Commerical Fisher dealing with life's challenges past and Present but still determine to do what he set out to do. Tony wells does a Great job of breaking things down and also breaking down events and the timing. the journey through the water takes the Man through various shores. this is very historical and very in depth. very well written. a very compelling Book it shows what a dream can lead you.

After reading this book I have more admiration and am very proud of my family friend, I never knew the things he had to go through to accomplish his dream... I feel honored and still remember the gift of my sea shells which are still at my parents home... Congrats and God Bless the author and his family... Tina Wilson

This witty, funny and observant memoir of one of the few black commercial divers and his exploits in Southeast Asia and elsewhere keeps the reader asking for more. It is a highly informative book with a great deal of funny, humorous and tragic anecdotes about diving and life in all parts of the world. From explaining the pain of `the bends' to regaling the readers with a story about the lack of Western-style toilets in Singapore (i.e. toilets one sits on).

Tony Wells was born in Michigan but he rarely stayed put for long. Moving from there to a small town to Hawaii and then to Oceanside, California. Wells stood out wherever he went and never seemed to want the easy normal life. So he enrolled in courses on diving and got himself trained as a commercial diver, working first San Diego and relocating overseas. Throughout he gives the reader a blunt telling of the racial issues he faced, or the ones he didn't face, as a black man choosing a profession which few black men had chosen previously and few do today. Readers should ignore the offbeat title of the memoirs, for the gems of information and story telling within are first class. Commercial diving is serious work and not for the faint of heart.

Wells worked on oil rigs in Singapore and the UAE. He also was in the Philippines, India. Throughout there are observations of the local cultures, the local women, and other details, including dives, injuries and beggars. Each vignette is complete some near-death experiences and other shocking problems. The stories of searching for smugglers gold, the wreck of the Flor Do Mar and a downed helicopter (with bodies inside) are fascinating. There are also stories of being arrested. In the end however, after the stories of wild sex and other escapades, this is a story of hope by a proud black American who encourages his brothers to never let people tell you that you can't do something, to never let set backs get you down. An inspiring and well written memoir.

Seth J. Frantzman

I found Blackman Under the Deep Blue Sea written by an ordinary Black American, who done it his way, a little Hair-Raising, Enlightning, Humerous, & Inspiring, giving hope to others who are plain ordinary individuals who are hesitany to carry out their ambitions.
Charles W. McVay